Good morning, Helena. In this issue, we look at local reactions to a potential four-day school week at the East Helena Public Schools. Additionally, the Original Governor’s Mansion is again open for tours, and you can read about downtown Helena’s upcoming slew of Halloween festivities.
But first, a weather preview ☀️
The weather starts off warmer this week with a Monday high of 67 degrees, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Julianna Glinskas. Tuesday highs will reach 63 with a 20% chance of rain in the evening. Wednesday’s high will peak at 60 degrees and overnight lows will remain in the high 30s.
East Helena community, staff react to potential four-day school week
As the East Helena Public School District considers switching to a four-day school week, community members weighed the pros and cons last week.
During a meeting last Monday, the district’s calendar committee updated the school board on plans to shorten the school week by taking Fridays off. The subcommittee surveyed students and parents this month and will make a recommendation to the board in either November or December, according to an IR article.
Short school weeks have become increasingly popular across Montana, especially in smaller districts, including Lincoln, Three Forks and Heart Butte, according to a 2024 school registry from the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
However, as EHPS nears a decision, the topic has sparked online public discourse.
“This is just ridiculous,” said one commenter under a KTVH Facebook post of the story. “If we are thinking about having more family time, that would be awesome, but here’s the thing that won’t be the case because families cannot afford to take that day off with the increase in everything.”
“It sucks for parents that need to find daycare for small kids,” said another.
In addition to a community survey, the district’s subcommittee surveyed school staff, receiving about 120 responses, mainly from teachers. About 44% of respondents said they were very in favor of a four-day week, according to school documents. About 17% said they were somewhat in favor, 18% were unsure, about 14% were somewhat against and about 8% were against.
That summary also cited staff and student burnout as reasons supporting a shorter week. But others raised concerns about how a shorter week would affect the students’ academic growth, especially for younger students. If a four-day week is implemented, school wouldn’t get out until 4 p.m.
“Respondents worry that students lack the stamina to maintain focus and quality engagement, leading to decreased learning and potential increases in behavioral issues,” the summary states.
But other parents with experience with the short week in other communities voiced their appreciation for it.
“I can schedule appointments for Fridays without having to pull my kiddo out of school!” said an online commenter. “There’s definitely other great things with four-day school weeks, I know teachers and parents like it for that reason!”
Other feedback was also positive, with some hoping Helena Public Schools would follow EHPS’s lead. But that idea doesn’t seem to have much momentum in Helena.
“We are not discussing this change for Helena Public Schools,” HPS Communications Specialist Taylor Lassiter told Montana Free Press last week. “Childcare and academic growth are priorities of the district, and that aligns with a five-day school week for us.”
Eye on Helena 👁️
Last week, the Helena Fire Department posted a video on its social media page showing emergency workers responding to a car fire, with the song “Taking Care of Business” playing in the background. I’ll admit, it’s a cool video. The post states that firefighters took about 40 seconds from parking the engine to extinguishing the fire. You can check out the full video on Facebook.
Public Notice 🧐
LCPH septic workshop
ℹ️ Lewis & Clark Public Health announced a septic system inventory project to analyze wastewater disposal in the county. LCPH will hold a workshop and introduce an inventory tool that residents can use to help identify potential contamination risks, according to a press release.
🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 21
⏰ 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 West Valley Fire Hall, 1165 Forestdale Rd.
🔗County residents are encouraged to check out the septic map here.
HACF public grant evaluations
ℹ️ The Helena Area Community Foundation will review applications for its 2026 grant cycle. The foundation plans to ratify grant-making decisions next month.
🗓️ Monday, Oct. 26
⏰ Noon to 3 p.m.
📍 HACF office, 27 Neill Ave, Suite 102 or on Zoom
Helena Gutter Project
ℹ️ The city transportation department will install a new gutter system at the entrance of the Sunhaven neighborhood, and work will run until Monday, Oct. 26, according to a press release. The project area will be closed to allow for new concrete to cure. Pedestrian traffic is limited to one side of Benton Avenue.
🗓️ Through Oct. 26, but the project is weather-dependent and could be postponed due to rain and snow.
⏰ Closed 24 hours
📍 Fairway Drive between Meadow Drive and Elmwood Lane at the Sunhaven Neighborhood
Helena Happenings 🗓️
Historic Helena: The Original Governor’s Mansion has reopened after being closed for about a year for restoration, according to the Montana Historical Society. The mansion will offer free tours on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. You can sign up for tours on the MHS website.
Spooky Szn: Several Halloween events are scheduled in Helena, including the Little Tykes Trick-or-Treat downtown Oct. 31. It’s a chance for families to get some early candy on Halloween from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Western Bar is hosting a Día de los Muertos night Oct. 30 along with a costume contest beginning at 8 p.m. And the Painted Pot will also host a Crime Night Oct. 30, where patrons can decorate killer-inspired ceramic novelties starting at 5:30 p.m. Check out other events here.
